Writing

Bernd and Hilla Becher: The Early Years

Bernd and Hilla Becher met in their early years while working for a real estate agency. They bonded over mutual distaste of the industry, failing to comprehend why their attraction for industrial ruins was rarely shared by their pompous clients. Bernd’s photographic style was judged bleakly analytical, choosing on one striking occasion to highlight the structure of a spindly windmill, instead of glorifying its tribal-chic indoor lounge, complete with bow tied leopards dangling cocktails from their Swarovski-studded jaws. Hilla was criticized for her choice of venues, and was politely asked to clear her desk after guiding puzzled clients through a tenth water tower. They merrily slammed the door on the industry’s startled face, and proceeded to revolutionize the art world, allying coal bunkers and New Objectivity.